What is CSS and who can appear in it?

What is the CSS exam?

CSS is the abbreviated form of "Central Superior Services" a prestigious competitive examination in Pakistan which is held in mid-February every year. it is conducted by Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Islamabad for the recruitment of candidates to (BPS-17) posts in Federal Bureaucracy in various groups.

Candidates are allocated to the following groups in federal bureaucracy:

1. Pakistan Administrative Service
2. Foreign Service of Pakistan
3. Police Service of Pakistan
4. Pakistan Customs
5. Commerce and Trade Group (CTG)
6. Inland Revenue Service of Pakistan
7. Information Services of Pakistan
8. Military Lands & Cantonment
9. Office Management and Secretariat Group
10. Audit and Accounts Service
11. Postal Group
12. Railways (Commercial & Transport) Group

The pattern of the CSS Exam:

The pattern consists of three stages which are Written part, Psychological+ Medical Assessment, and Viva Vice.

Written Part:

The written part of CSS consists of 12 papers of 1200 marks. Of which 6 papers are compulsory and carry 600 marks. For the other 600 marks, one has to select subjects from the syllabus provided by FPSC.

The Federal Public Service Commission has issued a syllabus for the subjects which are to be examined. The syllabus includes almost all the subjects which are taught in Pakistan's universities. these subjects are further divided into groups, keeping their relevance and course contents in view. The subject groups are divided so that one can a variety in subject selection. One can select subjects carrying 200 marks from each group. For example,  if you select a subject which carries 100 marks then you can select another subject of 100 marks from the same group. But if you select a subject from a group which carries 200 marks then you cannot opt for more subjects from the very same group. so, each group allows you to select subjects of 200 marks.

Compulsory subjects:

English Essay

English Precis

General Science and Ability

Pakistan Affairs

Current Affairs

Islamiyat

These subjects are compulsory and all candidates must appear in these papers. One cannot opt to change it. However, non-muslims can opt for a Comparative Study of Major Religions instead of Islamiyat.

Compulsory Subjects are of 600 marks. Each Subject carries 100 marks and passing criteria for compulsory is 40% (40 marks).

For optional subjects, you can select the subject of 600 marks from the syllabus according to your aptitude and interests.

Psychological Assessment test:

Those candidates who qualify written part are called for Psychological assessment. The psychological test consists of a personality test in which questions are given and to be answered by candidates in yes/no or Agree/partially agree/disagree. The psychological pattern often varies to suit the need. After the test, a short interview is conducted by a panel of psychologists to further observe the overall personality of a candidate.

Viva Vice:

Viva Vice is the final round of this prestigious exam. The viva is conducted by a panel of learned men of other fields and bureaucrats. The questions are most of the asked in optional subjects and it lasts, normally, up to 20 minutes.

Allocation of candidates:

Those candidates who successfully qualify all these stages and comes in the orbit of merit are then allocated to various groups in Pakistan's bureaucracy. The allocated candidates are jointly trained in Civil Services Academy Lahore

Eligibility

Education: Bachelor's Degree with no less than 2nd division

Age:          From 21 up to 30 years. If you are a government servant or from backward areas, you can claim 2 years of relaxation.